Drugs and Consciousness (Module 24 and 25) Flashcards
Psychoactive Drug
A chemical substance that alters perception and mood.
Tolerance
Diminishing effect with regular use.
Withdrawal
Discomfort and distress that follow discontinued use.
Depressants
Alcohol
Drugs that reduce neural activity and slow body functions
Barbiturates (Tranquilizers)
Reduces anxiety, but impairs memory and judgment.
Opiates
Heroin
Temporarily lessening pain and anxiety
They are highly addictive.
Stimulants
Caffeine and nicotine
Drugs that excite neural activity and speed up body functions.
Amphetamines
Stimulate neural activity, causing accelerated body functions.
Methamphetamines
Stimulates the central nervous system - Overtime, appears to reduce baseline dopamine levels.
Ecstasy
Can damage serotonin-producing neurons, which results in a permanent deflation of mood and impairment of memory.
Cocaine
Causes euphoria followed by a crash - Works by blocking reuptake of dopamine.
Hallucinogens
Psychedelic (mind-manifesting) drugs - Distorts perceptions and evokes sensory images.
LSD
A powerful hallucinogenic drug that is also known as acid.
THC
The major active ingredient in marijuana.